Henry J Lyons Architects is an Irish architectural practice based in Dublin City Centre. Our studios are located on Pearse Street, Dublin 2 and on Albert Quay in Cork. We have a team of over 270 architects, designers and support staff who work on projects throughout Ireland and internationally.
Our work includes architecture, interior design, master planning and conservation projects. Examples of the types of projects that this role will be involved with can be seen on our website at www.henryjlyons.com.
Role Overview
The Finance Business Partner will act as a strategic financial partner to 3 directors working together as a group, along with their senior architects and project leads. The role will support commercial decision-making, improve project profitability, strengthen financial controls, and provide insight into business performance across projects, teams and sectors.
This position is particularly suited to a commercially minded finance professional with experience in professional services, project-based environments, or the architecture / engineering / construction sector. The successful candidate will combine strong financial and analytical capability with excellent stakeholder management skills and a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with Directors, Studio and Project Leads and other staff to provide financial information on projects within the group.
- Monitor financial performance of architectural projects across all stages, from bid/tender through delivery and close-out.
- Review project budgets, fee schedules, labour costs, subcontractor costs, and project margins.
- Analyse project variances and identify risks to profitability, including scope creep, write-offs, under-recovery, and programme delays.
- Work with project leads to ensure timely billing, effective WIP management, and prompt collection of receivables.
- Support pricing and fee proposal decisions by providing commercial analysis and scenario modelling.
- Prepare revenue, margin, overhead, and cash flow forecasts based on project pipelines, utilisation, and delivery schedules.
- Support headcount planning and resource allocation through financial analysis.
- Provide commentary on monthly results, variances to budget, and emerging commercial issues.
- Review contracts, fee proposals, and project commercial terms with directors
- Assist in evaluating new business opportunities, framework agreements, and public/private sector tenders.
- Work closely with the core finance team to ensure revenue recognition, accruals, and project accounting are accurate and robust.
- Identify and implement improvements to systems, controls, and ways of working including the use of AI tools.
- Provide day-to-day oversight, support, and guidance to junior finance staff, ensuring work is delivered accurately and to deadlines
Candidate Requirements
- Fully qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent.
- Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related discipline preferred.
Experience
- 5+ years post-qualification experience in a Finance Business Partner, Commercial Finance, or Project Finance role.
- Experience in a project-based professional services environment such as architecture, engineering, construction consultancy, design, property, or similar sectors is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated experience of budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, and commercial analysis.
- Strong understanding of project accounting, WIP, revenue recognition, and margin analysis.
- Experience supporting senior non-finance stakeholders and influencing decision-making.
Technical Skills
- Strong financial modelling and analytical skills.
- Advanced Excel skills are essential.
- Experience with reporting / visualisation tools such as Power BI desirable.
Personal Attributes
- Strong commercial acumen and business awareness.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
- Strong attention to detail combined with the ability to see the bigger strategic picture.
- Able to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion.
Desirable Sector Knowledge
Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:
- Architectural practice financial management
- RIAI / project stage-based fee structures
- Public sector and private sector development projects
- Construction and design consultancy commercial models
- Resource planning and utilisation management in professional services
- Multi-disciplinary practice environments
Benefits
- Bonus – non-contractual discretionary bonus. (% amount depends on the performance of the company) plus annual bonus voucher
- We offer a hybrid working environment
- Pension – matched pension contribution up to 3%
- Annual Leave – 21 days plus Good Friday
- Learning & Development – financial support for relevant courses (fees paid and paid study leave), in-house training
- Death in Service & Income Protection
Henry J Lyons is an Equal Opportunities employer with a diverse and inclusive workforce.
